First of all, if it weren't for ICHIROYA, and a few YOUtube videos, I wouldn't have a clue!

1). Unless you look under 30 don't wear a furisode. It's like a Cougar putting on a prom dress!

2). With the possible exception of yukata, you need to wear a juban, and a washable plain white one looks just fine, just add han'eri (detachable collar) if you want to jazz up.

3). I have found that putting an obi directly over the ohashi(?) or the "bloused out" part of your kimono makes it easier to straighten out your bodice and the ohashi fold undrneath the obi. Cooler and one less thing to hassle with.

4). It takes an honest 20 minutes to dress yourself properly, and it works if you have a bed or chair to drape stuff on, and a full length mirror so you can sit and tie obi. A small handheld mirror will help you rotate and center obi.

5). Practice. You won't learn it any other way, and as you get good at it you will develop your own style, as you go.

6). Formal kimono (all bridal, kurotomesode, irotomesode, houmongi, high end meisen, in about that order) wear is formal wear, unless you're the daughter of an important local Japanese family, you probably won't get away with pulling any fashion pranks with these items.

7). The good news is you can whoop it up all you want with the more casual kimono. This would be all the Tsumugi, a huge woven category, some of which is VERY high end. All your komon(repeating pattern, includes tsumugi), summer kimono, yukata, and kasuri. You will look every bit as elegant, and accessories are limited by your own imagination.

8) The best part! Once you're dressed, stick your gut out, you'll look great!

Thanks for reading!